Enjoy the natural colors of the second most visited site in Peru after Machu Picchu, the splendour of Rainbow Mountain. Hike to the saddle of Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft) where you’ll have incredible views of Ausangate Mountain, glaciers all around, turquoise crystal clear lakes; all set within the incredibly colourful Rainbow Mountain.
Before the start of the trek enjoy a delicious breakfast with the herds of alpacas and llama early in the morning. Get back in the van and drive for 5 minutes to the start of the trek. On the hike pass isolated indigenous communities, with their herds of llamas and alpacas. Interact with the locals who are living their traditional way of life. Ask your guide to teach you a few words in Quechua. While walking see a selection of wildlife that may include condors, vicunas, bobcates and pumas. These colorful mountains are one of the most interesting things that you will see in Peru.
Click on the link for more information and pictures on Rainbow Mountain.
5200 m.s.n.m
Up to 8 People
Group
Trekking, Adventure
Moderate
1 day
Hotel pickup will be at 4am, to travel to the beginning of our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek. Travel through the South Valley of Cusco before arriving at the trailhead in Quesiuno for around 3 hours. On the drive see farming terraces, valleys and high mountains covered in snow.
Start the hike by following a mountain stream. Walk with the local llamas and alpacas that you will encounter along the way. Have views of Ausangate Mountains and hike through local villages and see the local people living their traditional way of life.
After a hike of 2 hours we reach the spectacular Rainbow Mountain at a height of 5020 meters. Be awed by the beauty of this mountain and have time to explore. Take many pictures to remember this experience and also take in the sight before you. Spend around 30 minutes at the top. If you are up for the adventure walk another 45 minutes to the Red Valley. On arrival feel like you have landed on Mars, Red as far as the eye can see.
At this point, we hike back down the same way we came. The hike takes 2 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return.
After lunch embark on the 3 hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving between 5 and 6 pm.
This Rainbow Mountain trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have a minimum of two people.
*** Breakfast & 3 course lunch are included in our price for the rainbow mountain trek and they will be prepared by our cook, this means you will get a fresh and hot meal.
“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Rainbow Mountain”
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrival terminal.
It will take place the night before your departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO.
Of course! During the Rainbow Mountain Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Rainbow Mountain Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Rainbow Mountain Trek entrance ticket without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$50 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Rainbow Mountain Trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com to complete the payment.
With alternative treks like the Rainbow Mountain Trek we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Rainbow Mountain Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. With the RAINBOW Mountain Trek, we highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack especially in rainy season, there can be snow or rain. It can be very cold at the high altitudes you will reach on this trek.
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you will be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. INCA TRAIL HIKE specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
Yes, it is a difficult trek due to the high altitude and some sections can be steep, you reach the altitude of 5100 metres/16732ft. You need to take your time, slow and steady wins the race. The altitude can make this trek very challenging, especially the final section before reaching the summit. Once you get to the top, it will be well worth the effort. Try to spend at least 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
It has been the highlight for most of our clients, especially females!! INCA TRAIL HIKE includes a Responsible & Sustainable “Camping toilet with seat” that we use on the trek.
In the event that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, INCA TRAIL HIKE will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as feel is appropriate, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
Cusco
Cusco
